Table Mesa Recreation Area, Moderate 4x4 trail in Phoenix, AZ
Moderate
Park

Table Mesa Recreation Area

Phoenix, AZ•Southwest

Table Mesa Recreation Area is a moderate 100+ miles off-road trail near Phoenix, AZ, best run October - April. The gear list marks All-terrain tires and Extra water (1 gallon per person) as required, and 4WD capability and Basic recovery kit as recommended. A stock high-clearance 4x4 can run it; check the gear list before you go.

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Table Mesa Recreation Area offers Phoenix-area residents and visitors a taste of Sonoran Desert off-roading just minutes from the city. The network of desert washes and two-track roads winds through classic saguaro country, delivering authentic Arizona desert scenery without the drive to more remote destinations. The terrain is perfect for stock SUVs and crossovers, making it ideal for families and beginners. Ironwood forests, ancient saguaros, and sweeping desert vistas reward those who venture beyond the pavement.

Fun Facts

#1

Table Mesa Recreation Area is part of the Sonoran Desert National Monument.

#2

The area contains ancient saguaro cacti, some over 200 years old.

#3

Native Americans have used these trails for thousands of years.

#4

The desert floor contains ironwood trees that can live over 800 years.

Length
100+ miles
Best Season
October - April
Permit
Not Required
Near PhoenixDesert sceneryAll levelsSaguaros

🛞 Tires

required
All-terrain tires

🔧 Suspension

optional
Stock or 2" lift

⚙️ Drivetrain

recommended
4WD capability

🪢 Recovery

recommended
Basic recovery kit

📦 Other

required
Extra water (1 gallon per person)
1
Main Staging Area
33.7236, -112.1347
2
Central Loop
33.7356, -112.1456

Closest campgrounds to Table Mesa Recreation Area:

Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.

Where to Camp

6 campgrounds within 30 miles of this trail

Phoenix, Arizona|3 mi|5 min
195 sites
Season: All Year
Sun City, Arizona|10 mi|18 min
950 sites
Season: All Year
Phoenix, Arizona|11 mi|18 min
112 sites
Season: All Year
Peoria, Arizona|11 mi|19 min
294 sites
Season: All Year
Glendale, Arizona|13 mi|22 min
61 sites
Season: All Year
El Mirage, Arizona|13 mi|23 min
1075 sites
Season: All Year

GPS Coordinates

33.7236, -112.1347

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